Female under the Male Gaze in Malena

Abstract

This study explores that female under the male gaze lack autonomous self. As a result they become exotic, submissive and mysterious. The male gaze expresses asymmetric power relationship between male and female. In the movie Malena, Malena is frequently presented as an object of gaze; she is the thing to be displayed. Since our societies have been patriarchal from time immemorial, the existing pattern of pleasure continuously exploit female. Female body is valued more for its erotic aspects, and a female is always asked to be pleasurable. She is expected to be beautiful according to the prevailing norm. This study also explores the position of female characters especially Malena. It analyzes how male gaze is operating in the movie Malena. Imagery that objectifies female has long been a trend of our visual culture; it needs to be challenged for the sake of our society. One of the main motives behind this project is to remind people issues such as the male gaze and sexual objectification do still matter and are still very relevant. This research also suggests possible dimensions of the male gaze that have not already been investigated at length.